REGULATION: PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF TRAWLS IN VIRGINIA'S PORTION OF THE TERRITORIAL SEA

VIRGINIA MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
"PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF TRAWLS IN VIRGINIA'S PORTION OF THE TERRITORIAL
SEA"
REGULATION 4 VAC 20-420-10 ET SEQ.

PREAMBLE

This regulation establishes a prohibition on the use of trawls in Virginia's portion of the Territorial Sea. The use of trawls or similar devices is prohibited in all the waters under Virginia's jurisdiction by §28.2-314 of the Code of Virginia; however, §28.2-315 of the Code of Virginia grants the Marine Resources Commission authority to permit trawling and control the area, manner, method, size and season of catch during certain times in certain areas of Virginia's portion of the Territorial Sea. The Marine Resources Commission has elected not to exercise this authority at this time, and by this regulation affirms its intent to keep Virginia's portion of the Territorial Sea closed to trawling.

This regulation is promulgated pursuant to authority contained in §§28.2-201 and 28.2-315 of the Code of Virginia. This regulation amends previous Regulation 450-01-0055, which was adopted March 7, 1989 and effective July 1, 1989. The effective date of this regulation is April 13, 1995.

4 VAC 20-420-10. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the conservation of Virginia's summer flounder stocks and stocks of other species utilizing the Territorial Sea as a migratory pathway to spawning grounds and nursery areas.

4 VAC 20-420-20. Prohibition.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any trawl net or to take or catch fish, crabs or shellfish by use of trawl net within the area between the baseline from which the Territorial Sea is measured and three nautical miles seaward to the Three Nautical Mile Line.

4 VAC 20-420-30. Penalty.

As set forth in § 28.2-314 of the Code of Virginia, use of a trawl or similar device in the waters of the Commonwealth of Virginia, unless specifically permitted by the Marine Resources Commission as provided in § 28.2-315 of the Code of Virginia, shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor.